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Audit commissioner Nick Skellett is calling for the beacon and best value systems to be merged to reduce the cost t...

Audit commissioner Nick Skellett is calling for the beacon and best value systems to be merged to reduce the cost to councils.

A letter from Mr Skellett (Con), also leader of Surrey CC, to local government minister Nick Raynsford proposes a five-year programme combining the systems.

The first year would see the Audit Commission carry out national studies, with reviews and audits carried out by councils over the next two years.

The independent chair of the Burnley Task Force, which will look into recent racially aggravated disturbances in the town, has been appointed.

Lord Anthony Clarke of Hampstead will lead the inquiry. The former Camden councillor has an extensive background in the voluntary sector.

The Watford BC Conservative group has dropped plans for a legal challenge to the yes vote in the recent mayoral election (LGC, 27 July). It will focus on getting a Tory elected.

A new masters degree at De Montfort University is the first UK course to focus on what councils can do to reduce climate change. Suitable for council staff, it can be studied full or part time or by distance learning.

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Centralism is stifling growth by failing to give councils sufficient autonomy to participate in the trials of new technology, a former council chief now leading a national drive to promote tech innovation has told LGC.

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